Jefferies reiterated a Buy rating and $26.00 price target on Atara Biotherapeutics (NASDAQ: ATRA) following an investor meeting. Management highlighted advantages of their cellular therapies over CAR-T, including true 'off-the-shelf' with the option to re-dose patients and lower COGS due to simpler manufacturing. Catalysts include the initiation of 3 trials for EBV-CTL in 2016.

Analyst Chris Howerton commented, "With '745 out of the picture, the key programs for ATRA are the cellular therapies for oncology and viral indications. Mgmt highlighted advantages of their cellular therapies over CAR-T, including true 'off-the-shelf' w/ the option to re-dose patients and lower COGS due to simpler manufacturing. Other positives highlighted: '434 is on track for data ~mid-16, upside optionality of CMV-CTL for MS and ~$330 in cash supports operations through 2018."

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Shares of Atara Biotherapeutics closed at $15.41 yesterday.